Young talent recognised by LPG industry

Friday 19th November 2021

Two of the LPG industry’s rising female stars have been recognised in the inaugural Young Person in LPG Awards, at the Liquid Gas UK annual conference held in York.

Melissa Chisell, from AvantiGas, was awarded Young Apprentice of the Year, with Jess Speed, from Continental, taking home the accolade for Rising Star of the Year.

The LPG Young Person Awards is open to people aged 30 or under and seeks to shine a spotlight on the emerging talent and encourage diversity and new entrants to the industry.

Commenting at the conference, Sophia Haywood, Director of Public Affairs at Liquid Gas UK, says the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the hard work of young people and encourage their passion and enthusiasm for the industry.

“As a sector, our workforce underpins our future. Knowing we have a skills shortage in the LPG industry, we were compelled to launch the awards to celebrate the outstanding individuals we currently have working with us and inspire others to get involved. There is so much opportunity in the sector and an exciting future ahead for those wanting to be a part of it.”

Mark Wilkins, Director at Vaillant who sponsored the awards, explains that people development and training is an area that will continue to be a priority in coming years, stating that in 2020 alone, Vaillant delivered 25,000 training places within the supply chain.

“Upskilling and re-skilling are both vitally important in the LPG industry’s transition to decarbonisation. These rising starts will be the individuals who deliver net zero. Opportunities like these awards, must be given to encourage young people to step up.”

Jess Speed, winner of the Rising Star of the Year Award, commented; “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this sector, particularly as a young person. I hope I’m able to inspire others to get involved next year.”

Melissa Chisell, winner of Young Apprentice of the Year, added; “It’s great to be recognised for my work within the company and the wider industry. I agree with Jess – I really hope to inspire others in the future.”

The Liquid Gas UK conference attracted a record 160 delegates from across the industry, who came together to discuss the opportunities for the industry in its transition to bioLPG by 2040, and as a key part of the UK’s energy mix on the road to net zero.

Also recognised at the awards were five highly commended runners up:

James Caird, Calor Gas
Matthew Carlin, Calor Gas
Dominik Jarmolkovic, Clesse
Kurt Clague, CamGas
Will Huxtable, Calor Gas